Seldane

Generic name: terfenadine [ ter-FEN-a-deen ]
Drug class:Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 2, 2022.

What is the most important information I should know about Seldane?

Seldane was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1998.

Do not take Seldane with any of the following medicines: the antifungal drugs ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox); the antibiotics erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or azithromycin (Zithromax); or the ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB). A dangerous drug interaction could occur.

What is Seldane?

Seldane was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1998.

Seldane is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms.

Seldane is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.

Seldane may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Seldane?

You cannot take Seldane if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• the antifungal drugs ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);

• the antibiotics erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Ery-Tab), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or azithromycin (Zithromax); or

• the ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).

A dangerous side effect involving irregular heartbeats could occur if you take Seldane with any of the medicines listed above.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• asthma or another lung disease;

• low potassium levels in your blood;

• urinary retention or an enlarged prostate;

• kidney or liver disease; or

• heart disease, especially an irregular heartbeat.

You may not be able to take Seldane, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Seldane is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Seldane will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Seldane passes into breast milk. Do not take Seldane without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Seldane?

Take Seldane as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.

Seldane is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Never take more of this medication than is directed by your doctor. If your symptoms are not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Store Seldane at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.